This December, the Acropolis Museum invites visitors of all ages to step into a festive world where ancient traditions meet creative adventures, music, and the joy of giving. From imaginative children’s workshops to inspiring musical performances, there’s something special for everyone this holiday season.
Children’s Adventures: Mythical Creatures and Festive Traditions
Winged Mythical Creatures and the New Year’s Charm
Young explorers aged 6–12 are invited to join a journey through the Museum’s collections on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December at 11:00 am. Guided by the Museum’s archaeologists, children will encounter winged figures (protectors, messengers, and guardians) who will challenge them with riddles and magical objects to collect. The adventure culminates in the Educational Centre, where kids can decorate their very own clay charms to take home as a keepsake of their journey through time.
The Iresione and the Carols
On Monday 29 and Tuesday 30 December at 11:00 am. and 1:00 pm., children can join a hands-on workshop celebrating ancient New Year traditions. Participants will decorate an Iresione, an olive-branch ornament, and sing carols just as children did in antiquity. Their wishes and creations will also adorn the Museum’s Iresione in the Kids Corner, adding to the festive spirit.
Musical Highlights on the Ground Floor
The Museum’s ground floor becomes a stage for holiday melodies and dance:
Sunday, 21 December, 12:00 pm. – El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra
A multicultural ensemble of young musicians from 40 countries performs classical and Christmas works, celebrating music as a force of inclusion and peace.
Monday, 22 December, 12:30 pm. – Cretan “Vrakoforoi” Dance Ensemble
Experience traditional Cretan dances and carols, guided by the expert direction of Giannis Petrakis.
Saturday, 27 December, 12:00 pm. – Hellenic Air Force Band
Enjoy familiar New Year melodies performed by this historic ensemble under the baton of Flight Lieutenant Konstantinos Drakos.
Guided Tours and Gallery Talks
Explore the Acropolis Museum with its archaeologists’ guided tours every Saturday at 10 am. in English and 1 pm. in Greek. Discover the stories behind the masterpieces of the Acropolis and the rich history of the Sacred Rock.
Gallery Talk: The Erechtheion – A Passage Through a Remarkable Monument
On Sunday 28 December at 1 pm., delve into the history of the Erechtheion, one of the Acropolis’ most iconic monuments. Learn how architecture, art, and mythology intertwine in a story that spans from antiquity to the modern day.
A Special Exhibition: Lamassu of Nineveh by Michael Rakowitz
Visitors can also experience the Lamassu of Nineveh, a monumental 4.3-meter winged bull with a human face recreated from empty Iraqi date syrup cans. This striking artwork, part of Michael Rakowitz’s Ancient Cultures trilogy, echoes the lost treasures of Nineveh and invites reflection on history, memory, and protection.
Festive Dining with a View
The Museum restaurant offers a magical holiday dining experience overlooking the illuminated Acropolis every Friday and Saturday evening (except 26 December), with service until midnight. On other days, visitors can enjoy coffee, desserts, and live music on the ground floor. (For reservations: +30 210 9000 915)
Unique Gifts for the Holidays
Before leaving, visit the Museum Shop to discover festive gifts and the 2026 lucky charm, inspired by 6th-century AD mosaics beneath the Museum. These beautiful keepsakes capture the spirit of prosperity, abundance, and creativity, perfect for sharing the joy of the season with loved ones.
Source: Acropolis Museum
This Christmas, the Acropolis Museum enters a space of history, culture, and festive cheer for you to explore, make, and experience ancient myths, creative keepsakes, music & dance, and unique gifts for an extra magical holiday memory.
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